To qualify for CFO a Battalion Chief or above needs a minimum of: • 150 points, which can be earned through education and experience. • Points for education range from 25 to 150 and can include an Academic Certificate • Experience points range from 5 to 60 and may be influenced by the length of time in the position. • Providing an organizational chart is required to confirm their position within the department.

The stringent qualification criteria for the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) credential underscores the pivotal role played by educational attainment, professional experience, and organizational context in shaping effective and proficient leaders in the fire service sector. These criteria, meticulously designed by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, serve as a comprehensive framework for identifying individuals who exemplify excellence and leadership in the field. A key prerequisite for CFO eligibility is a Battalion Chief or above position, ensuring that candidates have already achieved a significant level of responsibility and leadership within their respective fire departments. This criterion recognizes that individuals at these ranks typically shoulder complex operational, strategic, and managerial responsibilities, forming the foundation for their candidacy. The CFO credential's stringent qualification criteria, encompassing education, experience, and organizational context, align with the overarching mission of the Center for Public Safety Excellence. By establishing these robust benchmarks, the Commission on Professional Credentialing ensures that CFO credential holders are distinguished leaders capable of navigating the multifaceted challenges inherent in fire service leadership, thereby elevating the standards of excellence within the field.